Especially if you plan to decorate your house or apartment in a more luxurious fashion later on, a neutral area rug is the very best choice for you. If you want your home to look great and not cost you too much to decorate, you will want to consider area rugs because they are not only pleasing to the eye, but also practical for your home, protecting the carpet underneath.
The details may be small, like wall prints hanging, candles etc. but if you purchase a neutral area rug you do not have to worry about the area rug matching the sofa, whether or not it will fit the season, or stew over what kind of designs to choose from. And a neutral colored area rug such as a beige, off-white, or black area rug etc., you will not have to worry about your area rug being a part of your overall décor laid out to suit the season. Your area rug will be long lasting if you purchase a good one.
Some people do have the money to purchase expensive area rugs, and even switch their area rugs around to suit the seasonal colors. But if you are waiting for the means with which you can do some of this elegant kind of decorating and re-decorating, neutral colors for all your larger pieces of furniture and other home essentials, with more decorative, seasonal items that are not too costly you may be able to show off that luxurious look even in a smaller home or apartment. Items such as tablecloths, centerpieces etc. can display fine decorative details that meld together for a great overall look. Your neutral colored area rug will be a very important part of this kind of arrangement.
You can find area rugs will suit your personal style, even if they are more plain than decorative. If your area rug ties into the rest of you décor your area rug will look like the perfect area rug for the room.
An area rug does not have to “go with” a certain motif, unless it happens to clash with the motif, you can make an area rug blend in well.
You will want to make sure, just as you would with regular carpeting, that your area rug is vacuumed regularly and cleaned when necessary. This way your rug will last longer, until you can afford that fancy oriental rug you have had your eye on, or perhaps that beautiful rug with an elegant design you would love to decorate your entire living room, dining room, bedroom, or any other room with.
Sometimes, when an area rug is especially beautiful, the whole rest of the room décor is designed around the rug. Making the rug the center of attention, the main accent of the overall look of the room.
But if you are not quite there yet, in the meantime an neutral area rug is a good choice. It may not be the center of attention, but it will not distract from the ambiance or specific look you are going for.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles on home decor please visit Area Rugs.
Neutral Colors: Area Rugs Perfect for your Home Decor
Mohair Area Rugs
Mohair is a natural fiber got from the hair of angora goats. These animals are bred exclusively for this purpose. When the fiber is made from the locks of hair on the sides of the kid mohair goats, it is called "Filik". This fiber is in great demand for its softness. Mohair is highly sought after in the world of fashion.
There are various qualities of mohair that accounts for its popularity. Mohair is noted for beauty and great durability. This makes it a favorite with textile designers. In earlier times, this fiber was used for making seats on trains, coaches and other vehicles. It is noted that the fiber is even warmer than wool and is able to withstand lot of strain.
It is seen that the rugs crafted out of mohair are long lasting and they can be further strengthened and thickened by using linen warp. The natural locks are used to lace the surface of the fabric. The mohair rugs have rich texture.
Mohair rugs add to a rich ambience, with the sturdiness of tanned hide. These rugs have the ability to enhance the décor of a room. It is advisable to match the color of the rug to the wall color, as this enhances the effect of the lighting in the room. The rugs add grace and charm to the room.
Mohair is used in floor coverings, wall decorations, furniture covers, bed- spreads and even curtain material. This fiber comes in various earthy shades. This is because the angora herds have fleece ranging from black to white and various shades of red and brown. It is also found in rare shades of silver and charcoal. These colors add to the popularity of this fiber. The colors help the mix-and-match combinations with many furniture options and arrangements.
Area Rugs provides detailed information on Area Rugs, Discount Area Rugs, Cheap Area Rugs, Contemporary Area Rugs and more. Area Rugs is affiliated with Contemporary Wool Rugs.
Contemporary Area Rugs
Ask any interior decorator and they will tell you that customers today who have small budgets and large budgets have one type of area rug in mind – contemporary. Customers who are shopping for contemporary area rugs are looking for flowers, stripes, bold and bright colors to make any room sparkle. The sales of contemporary area rugs have increased dramatically in the past few years, and manufacturers have done everything to keep up with the demand. There are a few designers who stand out in the field including Bev Hisey, who creates whild, botanical patters from leather and wool felt rugs. Emma Gardner is known for her work with hand-knotted florals and Linda Belden designs beautiful wool rug patterns .
Different contemporary rugs fit well in Choosing a contemporary rug for your home is a matter of taste. In general, contemporary rugs have bright colors, bold patterns and are made of easy-care materials like olefin, polypropylene, wool or cotton. Some things to consider when making a choice are the size of the room, the use it gets, the people who use it, and the mood that you want to set in it.
Living Rooms
Living rooms are the most traditional place to use an area rug. The contemporary design that you choose for your living room can do more than cover your floor. By choosing the right color and design, you can make your room seem larger, brighter, cheerier, darker or more formal. Here are some general rules of thumb to follow:
• Avoid large patterns if your living room is small. They make it seem smaller.
• Avoid busy small patterns in a large living room. They'll make the room feel too 'cluttered'.
• Choose warm, sunny tones to brighten a dark living room.
• Pick bright abstracts in primary colors to set off the stark lines of contemporary or modern furniture.
• Pick a border pattern to give a unified, 'finished' feel to a conversational grouping in a large room.
Children's Rooms
Contemporary designs really shine in children's rooms. Bright or pastel colors, simple designs and easy care fabrics make putting a rug in your child's room a great way to make his private spot be his haven. Here are some suggestions for rugs for children's rooms:
• Choose a rug made with polypropylene-one of the easiest materials to clean and wash.
• While you're at it, pick a stain resistant rug, or treat your rug with a stain resistant finish.
• As tempting as it might be, avoid popular cartoon character patterns. Children's tastes and favorites change rapidly. Instead, pick a bright pattern with colors that can coordinate with a wide variety of styles as your child grows and develops his own tastes.
• For fun, pick up a small area rug in a street or checkerboard design. Your child will spend hours playing on a street map with toy cars, or setting up checkers and chess games with friends.
There are contemporary rugs that are suitable for any room in your house, including patios, kitchens, bedrooms and family rooms. Shop around for the best deals on a contemporary rug that will brighten and warm your home for years to come.
To view our list of recommended sources for the highest quality rugs online, visit: Recommended Online Rug Stores.
Carrie Reeder is the owner of eZerk, an informational website with articles and the latest news about various topics. Visit the website to read more about decorating and rugs.
There are different types of contemporary rugs that are appropriate for any room in a house. They can be used in kitchens, bedrooms and family rooms.
Area Rugs provides detailed information on Area Rugs, Discount Area Rugs, Cheap Area Rugs, Contemporary Area Rugs and more. Area Rugs is affiliated with Contemporary Wool Rugs.
Cheap Area Rugs
Chances are, if you’re looking for cheap area rugs, you’re looking for quality cheap rugs that will last for a few years. There are some very affordable area rugs out there that will last you a long time, but you have to know what to buy and how to take care of what you buy.
The first thing you need to consider when buying affordable area rugs is where you are going to put them. If they are going in a damp area like a bathroom, then you have to buy a rug that does well with dampness. The same goes for rugs that you place in a child’s room. It should be easy to clean and durable. Don’t try pastel colors in a child’s room either. They show dirt and just about anything else a child can get from a table to a floor,
Braided rugs can be inexpensive, but to have them last twice as long, make sure that they are finished on both sides. When one side wears out, you can flip it over and you’ve got a braid new looking
Always put rug pads under rugs to keep them from sliding and wrinkling. You will also protect the floor from scratches and protect the fibers of the rug from wearing out too quickly.
Also read all the material that you get with the rug. This will help you know how to care for the rug and give you important information about the company’s return policy, and other guarantees.
For really good deals, go online and check retailer sites. They usually provide losts of choices and great discounts. Many have regular sales and warehouse prices and include free shipping and rug pads.
Area Rugs provides detailed information on Area Rugs, Discount Area Rugs, Cheap Area Rugs, Contemporary Area Rugs and more. Area Rugs is affiliated with Contemporary Wool Rugs.
Brand Names are Better - Aren't They?
Our first indicator that something was amiss with the Brand Name products we all have grown to trust should have been the recent lead paint scandal. China is the latest society we have decided to use and abuse. It's funny how abuse always seems to go both ways when "we want our cake, and to eat it too". Huge, brand named toy companies have had to remove innumerable products from retail shelves, due to sub-standard (even dangerous) quality issues. Who can we blame for this? The Big Brand names for wanting to make a greater profit by using cheaper Chinese labor and materials? Should we just blame China for having low quality control standards? Should we blame the consumer, because they seem to only be willing to buy products that are "CHEAP" (in every sense of the word)?
I believe it is the responsibility of every trusted business or business-person, to educate the consumer as to what constitutes a quality product, and what will give you the best value for your money. I refuse to sell inferior products, which has probably cost me many sales over the years, because if I won't sell the "Cheap Stuff" the dealer down the street propably will. There are cycles in the flooring industry where it seems that people are satisfied with the cheapest product and service they can find. Even if the guy down the street has no sense of moral obligation, and will sell what ever product people will buy, that does not mean it is the right thing to do. Consumers need to be well informed as to what constitutes a Bargain. To me; a bargain is a good to excellent product or service that is sold at a reasonable or discounted price.
It is my responsibility to make certain that my clients are well informed about the products they are considering. If they choose to ignore my advice and suggestions, Well... that part is out of my control, but at least I can sleep at night with the knowledge that I did my best to make certain they were going to get Good Value for the money they spend. There have been many occasions when I have refused to introduce a certain product to my clients simply because I knew that it was not up to the standards that it claimed to be. However, can we truly blame the consumer for being a cheap-skate and buying sub-standard products, when we are the ones who offer it to them? If a product is low quality and we know it, we should not offer or sugest it to the consumer, No matter what Brand Name is on the label. My dumpsters have been overflowing with flooring products that I absolutely refuse to endorse. They just do not give good value for the price people have to pay. I could tell many stories about how we have had to repair or replace what another dealer was willing to pass off as "good enough", but I will keep my comments to Company Branding and Brand name products we should be able to trust.
What does it say about our society and our values when you can't trust a Brand Name Product? This is what happened recently... I returned home one afternoon and saw a new area rug in a chain-store bag hanging on the dining room chair. It was a typical "cheap" area rug. Since I sell area rugs I wondered why it was even in my home. I was informed that my daughter bought it for her room because it was such a good price for a Brand Name Rug... ("No Big Deal" I thought, because I could clearly see the tag and price). Then I noticed something else. Something strange and bewildering. The Tag on this cheap fuzzy rug had the Brand Name of one of the best known manufacturers of good quality flooring, specifically Carpet. I will not name the company but it has the same name as a Native American Indian Tribe (you can probably guess it easily). When I saw the Brand Name, and noted the quality of the rug, I thought that it had somehow been mis-tagged, or some other mistake had taken place. But when I read the details on the tag, I was shocked and surprised. Like I said before;
The rug in question was a cheap (inferior) rug that had the cheap latex backing on it (supposedly to keep it from sliding around on a hard-surface floor- Further info on rubber or latex backed rugs can be read on our web site). This kind of rug backing is notorious for causing damage to linoleum, vinyl, and even laminate or wood floors (they can cause discoloration, fading, or worse... they tend to draw moisture up through concrete slabs). Anyway as I read the tag further, I noted the type of fiber that this rug was made of; It was Olefin. Olefin fiber tends to hang on to things that are oily or greasy (even body oils from the bottom of your feet), and they can have a tendancy to crush and cause your rug to go flat. Olefin rugs of this quality do not usually hold up for very long. Six months to a year depending on traffic. This is the fiber most cheap rugs are made of, so no surprise there. The shock factor for me was that this, Brand Name Company, had allowed it's name to be prominately displayed on the rug.
A huge manufacturer of fine quality carpet is either making or endorsing a Cheap Fuzzy Bath Room Rug! Needless to say, I informed my daughter that despite the Brand Name on the Tag, She had been robbed. Even a paltry sum of money is wasted upon a rug of this quality. Brand Names used to mean something... It used to mean quality and integrity. I suppose that we should expect such situations as this in today's global economy. But as for me, from now on I will be reading tags and ingredients, I don't care what Brand Name is on the Package (or rug).
I guess it is just a disappointment, that a name I have trusted and suggested to so many clients for so many years, could allow such decay in quality and craftsmanship.
When you are tempted to buy a chain-store area rug, ALWAYS READ THE LABEL! Or, to quote Mr. Gump, "you never know what you're gonn'a get."
Article By: Charles Beason
Charles is a Flooring Design Consultant in the High Desert of Southern California.
Visit his website at http://www.rugrunnerbiz.com
Have Questions, Ideas, Tips, etc... Submit them to us for inclusion on our web site.
mailto:chazbeason@rugrunnerbiz.com
This article is copyright (c) 2007 by Charles Beason, and may be reprinted in it's entirety as long as this byline and copyright statement is included.
Area Rugs - Tips on How to Buy
Buying an area rug is a purchase that reflects your personality and style, so naturally you want to make sure that it's perfect. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you take the leap and purchase a new rug.
Do some research to find the right size for your needs. There are a few common sizes of rugs: 2'x 3', 4'x6', 5'x8', 8'x10' all of which work well in different scenarios. Let's use this example: you want to buy a rug to fit under your coffee table in the living room. You want to make sure that the rug fits under the whole seating area, not just under the table itself. The rug should be under the front legs of the piece of furniture and typically extend about a foot around the table. You may find it helpful to mark these locations with masking tape or even lay down a newspaper to give you a visual of the area you think you'll want to cover; it makes measuring a little easier. If you are thinking of putting a rug under your dining room table, make sure that you can pull out the chairs and still have them on the rug. Use the same principles for measuring to get the size you need. One of the most common reasons rugs are returned is that they are too small for the area they are intended for. If you're on the fence, you may consider going to the next size up.
Colors are important for any aspect of home decoration, not just when it comes to picking an area rug. Area rugs can blend in to your existing décor or become a new focal point of a room. Colors can invoke emotions: reds give energy but can also create angry feelings, blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and security, green also has a calming effect and symbolizes nature, yellow is cheery, warm and grabs attention. Keep in mind if shopping online for a rug that screen resolution settings may vary causing the colors to not exactly what you see on the site. However, don't avoid shopping online, many sites have lower prices than you could find in a store and the color descriptions given are pretty spot on.
The style of the rug is another factor to consider and there are many to choose from: contemporary, shag, traditional, braided, southwestern, the list goes on and on. This is perhaps where your personality is allowed to shine through the most. Every style has different patterns or characteristics that make them unique. If you have a modern loft a colorful, contemporary rug may be the best fit for you. Shag, or flokati rugs, also have a very modern feel. Traditional rugs may work best in a more formal area of the house. The important part of choosing the style of rug is to find a design that you like and blends in with your existing décor.
One final thing to keep in mind when considering an area rug for your home is the material of which the rug is made. Different materials stand up to wear and tear, sunlight and foot traffic differently. Find out what the rug is made of and do some research as to whether that material has qualities that will work in the space you are planning to put it in.
Article written by Laura Winstead - http://www.RugBin.com
Handmade Area Rugs
A rug is material used to cover a specific area of floor space in a room. Area rugs are used to dress a particular area of the floor and add a distinct style to the room, for decoration. The rugs could be in a single color, Indian durries or hand made area rugs. They are fashion statements that set apart certain furniture from the rest of the room. The rugs add to the desired look of the room and improve furniture arrangement.
Area rugs are used to highlight portions of the room and draw focus to specific interior decoration. Handmade area rugs add to the mood and ambience of the room by blending with the various colors and shapes present. It is important to know the effect of the various colors used in these rugs. The light colors are known to bring out the color and size of the furniture, whereas darker colors make the room cozier, inviting and warmer. It is also advisable to choose a rug whose primary colors match the color of the walls.
Area rugs are available in a variety of materials, textures and shapes and colors. These can range in size from 24 inches to 10 feet and can be bought in accordance to the purpose they are expected to serve and the area that is to be covered by the rug. Area rugs are attractive and brilliant decorative creations.
Handmade rugs stand apart from the regular synthetic rugs freely available. These beautifully crafted hand rugs are authentic works of art. It is seen that most handmade area rugs are made from fine quality wool. They are found to be capable of handling the strains of regular use and cleanings. These area rugs usually have a density of more than 750 knots per square inch.
Area Rugs provides detailed information on Area Rugs, Discount Area Rugs, Cheap Area Rugs, Contemporary Area Rugs and more. Area Rugs is affiliated with Contemporary Wool Rugs.
Area Rugs and Flooring -- Two Newly Green Giants
Over the years, a debate has taken place in the flooring industry over the impact its products have on the environment. In 2003, a group of industry researches and technical specialists met at the University of North Carolina to examine the science with regard to the positive or negative attributes of materials found in products like carpeting, area rugs and linoleum.
The panel looked at hundreds of studies in relation to how carpet and non-carpet materials contribute to environmental quality and whether there's a significant concern with toxic substances and allergens alleged to have commonly been found.
The intention of the researchers was to try and settle years of anecdotal evidence and set an industry standard to help buyers and sellers of flooring products. A good portion of the information reviewed came from the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Health Science Libraries, and other previously published industry experts.
A review of all of the literature led to one major conclusion: materials found in flooring "play a significant role to the quality of life indoors." It contributes to healthy design factors, safety, aesthetics, climate control, ergonomics and physical comfort. When maintained properly, carpeting and area rugs are not at all risks to public health.
While the group's conclusion was great news for the industry and the public, it's still necessary to examine flooring's impact on the whole environment, including the part played by rugs and flooring made from natural materials.
Decorating Like Darwin: By Natural Selection
With so many types of area rugs available today, it's hard enough to make a style selection, let alone having to take health and environmental concerns into account. Keeping rugs clean and in good condition will go a long way in alleviating any concerns. Area rugs do have material differences, though. Here's a quick look at natural fiber rugs and other natural flooring:
WOOL RUGS
Water, water everywhere, so keep it away from wool. Water is one of the biggest enemies of wool rugs. Wool, popular in Oriental rugs, has a high moisture regain and is susceptible to microorganism attack. That may sound like the bad plot to a Hollywood horror film or an episode of Fear Factor. Nevertheless, keep something that requires water, like potted plants, off of wool rugs.
Water aside, wool's long, coarse fibers have the ability to maintain indoor air quality and, unlike synthetic fibers, can absorb indoor contaminants. Since discarded carpet accounts for a tremendous amount of waste – 4.7 billion pounds in 2002 according to the EPA – any rug that lasts longer, like a hand-knotted wool rug, is going to get the seal of approval from the Green Party.
JUTE RUGS
Once used primarily as carpet backing, Jute has made it to the big time. As a full-fledged member of the area rug and carpet family, Jute, which ranges from light tans to browns, is one of the finest and softest of natural floor covering materials.
Composed mainly of plant materials, Jute is a rainy season crop that grows best in warm, humid climates like parts of China and India. While it may grow in rainy weather, the Jute rug won't stand up to areas with high moisture levels. Unlike wool, jute is resistant to microorganisms, but the material will in fact deteriorate rapidly when exposed to moisture.
BAMBOO RUGS
Gilligan's Island no longer corners the market on bamboo flooring. You don't need to live in a hut to use this material.
Bamboo, which is also a trend in cutting boards and hardwood floors, has become a popular option for area rugs. And its environmental friendliness is obvious. No trees to cut down, no waste. Bamboo is technically a grass, and moreover a highly renewable resource. Maturing in less than six years, bamboo is harvested over and over from the same plants. Its strength combined with a natural beauty can add a contemporary touch to any living space.
SEAGRASS RUGS
Seagrass is not something you may have thought was illegal. You can't grow it in your backyard, but it does look great in the house. Created from tropical grass mainly imported from China, Seagrass, which only comes in a natural organic green color, is smooth to the touch and extremely durable and stain resistant.
SISAL RUGS
Sisal is another natural fiber that has recently gained popularity among designers. The material is derived from a cactus plant, grown in semi-arid regions liked Brazil and Africa.
Sisal is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers, making its staying power ultra-environment friendly. Water is not Sisal's friend, either. The rug should never be used in the bathroom or other moist areas of the house.
CORK FLOORING
Now you may be thinking how a rug is made from cork? Well, it's not. Cork has been slipped in to this discussion simply because it can be considered a cousin in the natural fiber family. Used as durable hardwood-type flooring, the cork tree is the only one whose bark can regenerate itself after harvest without damaging the tree or the environment. The tree is never killed or cut down and can produce bark for centuries. Furthermore, almost all of its harvested materials are put to use.
Cork is known for its sound environmental policy, and when feet hit the floor, it's known for its durability. Cork may seem elastic when compared to wood, but its "natural memory ability" and resistance to liquid penetration can make it an attractive alternative.
LINOLEUM FLOORING
This is no joke. Linoleum is back. So break out the disco ball and platform shoes. Vinyl nearly sent linoleum to the flooring scrap yard, but just like bell-bottoms, linoleum is making a comeback. It's contemporary and gets the green seal. While vinyl is synthetic and petroleum-based, linoleum is made entirely of natural materials, linseed oil being the main ingredient.
The resurgence of natural and retro products is behind linoleum's rebirth. As a natural product, linoleum can be recycled and is hypoallergenic, which benefits those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Linoleum also contains antibacterial properties that help stop the growth of microorganisms.
About the author:
Based in Los Angeles, Ron Neal is a free-lance writer, editor and owner of Writemind Media. With more than 20 years of experience, including six at the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Neal has produced and edited hundreds of articles on a variety of subjects, including flooring, home improvement and area rugs of all kinds, including braided and sisal rugs.
Area Rugs Online
If you want to update the look and ambience of your home and office, you might want to consider buying area rugs.
Rugs create a warm and inviting space in any room, providing style, comfort and ambience with minimal effort. Popular choices of carpet and rugs in America are those made from natural Oriental materials such as seagrass, sisal and jute. These materials are appealing since they are affordable, sturdy and easy to maintain.
There are online stores that sell area rugs, offering designer quality at an affordable price. Choose from Persian, Oriental or modern materials. There are a variety of patterns and designs with a large array of pleasing colors available. Custom-made rugs can also be purchased online.
Area and accent rugs are the top choice of interior decorators to lend a casual and relaxed aura to a space. Popular fibers that are used come from plants that grow in Brazil, Africa, Asia and Mexico.
The use of natural fibers in flooring, such as area rugs, provides a modern appeal to your home. There are various area rug options to fit your particular needs.
You can choose from a vast array of mountain grass rugs or other natural materials for your rugs. They come in all sizes and shapes for each area in your home. You may place them in the bedroom, sitting area and kitchen to add style and class. There are also various shapes of rugs to choose from oval, round, rectangular and rug runners.
Before deciding on the area rug that is perfect for your home, consider its price and durability. Consult the Internet for a list of online stores that sell high-quality affordable area rugs.
Area Rugs provides detailed information on Area Rugs, Discount Area Rugs, Cheap Area Rugs, Contemporary Area Rugs and more. Area Rugs is affiliated with Contemporary Wool Rugs.
Rustic Area Rugs
Area rugs are used to add grace and charm to a room. They are expected to be sturdy enough to bear daily cleaning and usage. The color of the rug should match the wall color to enhance the overall effect and ambience of the room. Rustic area rugs have motifs and designs that are typically rustic. These are a necessary buy in case the homeowner has a rustic theme layout in any room.
Rustic area rugs are a must when decorating a cabin in the woods, a cottage or a vacation retreat. These rugs add to the soul of the room and enhance the rustic charm. It is possible to match the design and motif of the rugs to the lamps in the room. The projection of the light from the lamps onto specific motifs of the rugs can bring about the desired rustic effect in the room.
Rustic area rugs feature images of moose, bears, cabins and pinecones among other outdoor themes. These rugs come in a variety of products that are versatile, comfortable and at the same time practical. It is also possible to customize the rugs, to suit the taste of individual buyers. There are many manufacturers who come up with new designs and motifs on a regular basis. They provide the customer with a variety of designs as well as texture. The large cabin area rugs can be effectively used under dining or kitchen tables. They can serve as the main carpet in the living room or office too. Rustic rugs are manufactured as braided rugs or hooked wool rugs, with wildlife designs and motifs on them.
The rustic area rugs are created to transport the buyer into the realm of thick forests and timberland, with abundant wildlife. The rustic rugs work wonders in outdoor arrangements.
Area Rugs provides detailed information on Area Rugs, Discount Area Rugs, Cheap Area Rugs, Contemporary Area Rugs and more. Area Rugs is affiliated with Contemporary Wool Rugs.
